Sports · Basketball · 1 hr ago
Mario Hezonja returns to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing in Europe since 2021.
The 31-year-old Croatian forward previously played 335 NBA games and won a EuroLeague title in 2023.
He says the greater size of NBA players is one difference he has noticed since coming back.
He wants to contribute by playing in the right positions and setting screens, rather than trying to direct everyone.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has praised Hezonja’s directness.
In two preseason games, Hezonja has averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, as well as one block and one steal per game.
Cleveland’s final preseason game is against the Orlando Magic before the team opens its regular season against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22.
Mario Hezonja has returned to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 31-year-old Croatian forward previously played 335 NBA games before returning to Europe in 2021.
He won a EuroLeague title in 2023 and now says he is focused on helping Cleveland through his play on the court.
In Cleveland’s two preseason games, he averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
The Cavaliers are due to play the Orlando Magic on Tuesday before opening the 2026–27 regular season against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22.
- Who
- Mario Hezonja, a 31-year-old Croatian forward, has returned to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- What
- He is joining the Cavaliers after previously playing 335 NBA games and spending time in Europe.
- When
- He returned for the 2026–27 season. The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- With the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA.
- Why
- He is ready to help the Cavaliers and says he wants to contribute by doing the right things on the court.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I don’t want to be vocal over everybody, I don’t want to be a smartass or just like every time stop or just say what I see
It’s mostly by doing the right stuff on the court, being in the right positions, screening for guys.
I love how transparent he is
He’s going to tell you what he thinks.
Hezonja returned to Europe after previously appearing in 335 NBA games.
He won a EuroLeague title.
He averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists across Cleveland’s two preseason games.
The Cavaliers are scheduled to face the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
Cleveland is scheduled to open the regular season against the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Age
- 31
- NBA appearances before returning to Europe
- 335
- EuroLeague title
- 2023
- Cleveland preseason games
- 2
- Preseason averages
- 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists
- Regular-season opener
- October 22, 2026, against the Philadelphia 76ers
Sources
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